Third Wave Witch: Feminist Spirituality, Spiritual Feminism

Third Wave Witchcraft explores the intersection of feminism, Witchcraft, Goddess Spirituality, and feminist activism. A place to explore how to make our spirituality more feminist, our feminism more spiritual, and our world more just.

Weekly Goddess Inspiration: Bastet

Bastet is one of my household Goddesses, and I'm looking forward to spending time with her this week. A household with five felines in it has to honor Bastet, right? And a house with two queer female householders and five felines really has to honor Bastet! She is, after all, not just the Goddess of Cats, but of sexuality in all its forms, a protector of women, and the patroness of divine play. Bastet was one of the first Goddess I met, on a transformative trip to Egypt in my early 20s, and she has had a place on my altar and in my heart every since. Even if I am not always so good at remembering her message, to find play and moments of lightheartedness.

And I can use some lightheartedness this week! Last week was trying, with the news that a promising job lead had fallen through, my partner's mother having hip replacement, and a brief descent into a black depression that kept me mired in sadness and inertia for several days. (I am happy to report that my partner's mom is doing well, there are new job opportunities on the horizon, and I'm back to my usual self!) Last week was heavy beyond heavy, with few moments of laughter and play. This week I'm thankful to have the reminder that we need those moments of light, of silliness. We need to be able to look at the world like a cat and see everything as something to investigate, to be curious about, to play with.

Susan Harper is an eclectic solitary Feminist Witch from Irving, Texas. She is a professor of Anthropology, Sociology, and Women's Studies, with a focus on gender, religion, and sexuality. She is also an activist, community educator, and writer. When she's not making magick or fomenting social change, Susan is the head soapmaker, herbalist, and aromatherapist for Dreaming Priestess Creations. She shares her life with her partner, Stephanie, five cats, and two guinea pigs.